I strongly condemn the attempted coup d’état in Turkey; any changes in the government must follow democratic channels.

At the same time, I am alarmed by the Turkish media reports: since the failed coup, two judges of the Constitutional Court and five members of the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors have been arrested. More than 2700 judges have been suspended and many have been detained. I am convinced that especially while reacting to a violent attempt to overthrow an elected government, it is essential to respect the rule of law.

Mass dismissals and arrests of judges are not an acceptable means to restore democracy. As any citizen, each judge has the right to a fair procedure - disciplinary and/or criminal - during which his or her responsibility must be duly proved and his or her defence rights must be respected.